Ronald J. Cournoyer

WORCESTER – Ronald Joseph “Ronny” Cournoyer, 83, a lifelong resident of Central Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 2, 2026, at the Jewish Healthcare Center in Worcester, surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Worcester, Ron was the son of Roland J. and Lily A. (Entwistle) Cournoyer. His life was defined by devotion to his family, his work, his friendships, and the many people whose days he brightened with his humor, generosity, and gift for telling a good story.

Ron was predeceased in 2022 by the love of his life, his beloved wife of 58 years, Gene Agnes (Fielding) Cournoyer. Together, Ron and Gene built a life rich with family, laughter, friendship, and traditions that will continue through the generations they leave behind.

Ron will be lovingly missed by his five devoted daughters: Deb Feeley and her husband, John, of Worcester; Denise O’Connor and her husband, Philip, of Worcester; Donna Pursel and her husband, Brendan, of Hull; Darcy Pratt and her husband, Robert, of Dudley; and Danielle Binienda and her husband, Jamie, of East Sandwich.

He was the proud grandfather of 14 cherished grandchildren: John, Daniel, and Laura Feeley; Tiffani O’Brien; Timothy, Lindsey, and Zachary O’Connor; Chrystal McCarthy; Walter and Lucas Patenaude; Brendan and Meghan Pratt; and Abby and J.T. Binienda. He was also blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Aiden, Travis, Gavin, Mackenzie, Quinn, Maeve, Kaia, Laurel, Dalton, Torin, Hannah, and Colin, each of whom brought him tremendous pride and joy.

Ron proudly served his country as a U.S. Army veteran before beginning a career with the Worcester Fire Department, including assignments with Engine 11 and Engine 14.

Never one to stay idle, Ron later began his “encore career” as a bus driver for AA Transportation. The job provided him with an endless supply of stories, characters, and adventures—and Ron was always ready to share them. Whether a story was funny, embellished just a little, or both, he knew how to hold an audience. He was also the owner of the Tussie Mussie Country Store in Sturbridge, where his warmth and personality made people feel welcome.

He and Gene especially treasured their winters in Nokomis, Florida, where they made lasting friendships and embraced life together in Florida. Ron had a lifelong appreciation for antique cars and car shows. He took pride in helping organize what he considered the “best car show” Nokomis had ever seen.

Some of Ron’s best memories were made closer to home at the legendary Ridgewood Road block parties, where neighbors became lifelong friends. They had that same warm, close-knit, neighborly spirit that made the Angell Brook Community just as special.

Over the years, he answered to many names—Dad, Pa, Papa, Ronny, and Mr. C. Each reflected a different bond and chapter of a life deeply shared. Together, they speak to the many ways Ron was loved: as a devoted husband and father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, loyal friend, dedicated firefighter, and storyteller who could bring laughter to any room.

The family is deeply grateful to the fourth-floor staff of the Jewish Healthcare Center for providing Ron with comfort, warmth, peace, and dignity during his final days.

Family and friends are invited to join the family from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, October 9, at Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main Street, Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, at St. George Church, 40 Brattle Street, Worcester, with burial to follow at Worcester County Memorial Park, Richards Avenue, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Ron’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Association https://www.alz.org/manh.